Tourette Syndrome: Help Stop Bullying

"Learn the facts about Tourette Syndrome and tics, and how we can help to stop bullying of children with TS.

Bullying doesn’t just happen to the smallest kid in the class. Children who bully others target those who seem to be less powerful or not as strong. Children who bully others also often target children who seem “different.” Children with TS are often seen as “different.”

What is Tourette Syndrome?

TS is a condition of the nervous system that causes people to have tics. Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly. People who have tics cannot stop their body from doing these things. Having tics is a little bit like having hiccups. Even though you might not want to hiccup, your body does it anyway. Sometimes people can stop themselves from doing a certain tic for a while, but it’s hard. Eventually the person has to do the tic.

Because of the tics, children with TS are sometimes seen as disruptive or rude. A small number of children with TS also have the urge to use swear words or say inappropriate things, even if they don’t want to. These tics can be upsetting to the children with TS and everyone around them.

Children who have tics are more likely to be bullied than children without tics. Some children with TS may also bully others, and those with more severe tics are at greater risk. Among children with tics, bullying has been associated with loneliness and anxiety.

But bullying doesn’t have to happen. Many people around children with TS can do something to help protect them from bullying. Not sure what to do? Here are some ways everyone can play a role to prevent bullying:

New Study

Bullying victimization and perpetration among US children with and without Tourette syndrome
[Read summaryexternal icon] [Watch video summaryexternal icon]

What friends can do

Friends and classmates who understand that tics are not on purpose and that children with TS are just like other children can help them feel accepted and can help stop bullying. But they need to know what to do when they witness bullying. Learn about how to be more than a bystanderexternal icon for any type of bullying, and watch a video Stand Up for Tourette Syndromeexternal icon about how peers can support children with TS.

What education professionals can do

Education professionals can learn about tic disorders so that they can respond supportively and help children reach their full potential. Read more about resources for education and trainingexternal icon on TS. Bullying can threaten students’ physical and emotional safety at school and can negatively impact their ability to learn. The best way to address bullying is to stop it before it starts. There are a number of things school staff can do to make schools safer and prevent bullying. Learn more about prevention at school hereexternal icon.

What families can do

Families can advocate for their children. TS is recognized as a disability in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Disability harassment is discrimination that violates section 504 and its regulations, and bullying is a type of harassment. Find more information about federal laws related to bullying on StopBullying.govexternal icon and help your protect your child..."
Tourette Syndrome